Debutant to open batting for Australia in first ODI

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Joe Burns

Australia will have a new face at the top of the order when Joe Burns opens the batting against Ireland in their one-day international.

Burns becomes the 207th player to feature for Australia in ODIs, having made his Test debut against India at the MCG at the end of last year.

With Test opener Chris Rogers now retired, it is an opportunity for Burns to press his case for a place in the five-day set-up, according to new Australia captain Steve Smith.

"I think any time you play for Australia, you want to perform," Smith said.

"You've seen (chief selector) Rod Marsh say it before - if you're scoring runs at the one-day international level, you can put your hand up for other formats of the game as well.

"So I know those guys are looking forward to this tour.

"Joe has been over here and played a bit of cricket in England so knows these conditions quite well. I'm looking forward to seeing those guys step up."

Australia team to face Ireland in Belfast on Thursday:

Steve Smith (capt), George Bailey, Joe Burns, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.

 

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